Rhythm in the serve.

[dlam]

Noticed some good servers will grip and regrip with their hand by releasing the pressure off the last three fingers of the right hand (if you are righty) while maintaining the grip with the index finger and thumb as they are getting set to served.
I sometimes do this, i was more aware of it and realized that it helps my rhythm

It reminds me of some of those singers in the singing contest like American Idol who grip and regrip the microphone with their hands with the same last three fingers as they are singing.
Any thoughts about how to get your rhythm back on track when serving?
I think gripping and regripping properly really helps

 

[LeeD]

Personally, I find it easier to time my serve with the rocking motion from front foot to back foot just before I start my motion. My grip, I just hold it the way I hold it.

 

[NLBwell]

The OP reminds me of something I read years ago (Maybe World Tennis Magazine?). The writer noticed that the player (a top Aussie) was constantly moving his hand around on the grip during a match. He was gripping and ungripping the racket, moving his hand around, etc. The writer noticed this and decided that maybe taking his hand off the racket and relaxing it was a key to being successful, so he asked the player about it.

The Aussie said, "Oh yeah, mate. I 'ad a 'ot dog before the match and I got mustard on my hand and got the grip all sticky."

 

[rkelley]

Little idiosyncrasies like rocking, regripping, ball bouncing, etc. are very personal and not a general key to the stroke, though they are very helpful for the individual player.

I bounce the ball twice, regrip and adjust the racquet a la Lendl, and then rock back like Lee mentioned. The rocking back is really the start of the stroke for me.

Honestly, as long as you have some reasonable, smooth motion that gets you to the trophy pose I don't think it really matters what you do, as long as you do it the same way every time and there's nothing tense or jerky in the motion.

 

[Pidgeon]

The OP reminds me of something I read years ago (Maybe World Tennis Magazine?). The writer noticed that the player (a top Aussie) was constantly moving his hand around on the grip during a match. He was gripping and ungripping the racket, moving his hand around, etc. The writer noticed this and decided that maybe taking his hand off the racket and relaxing it was a key to being successful, so he asked the player about it.

The Aussie said, "Oh yeah, mate. I 'ad a 'ot dog before the match and I got mustard on my hand and got the grip all sticky."

genious !!
talk about overanalyzing
you shouldn't overthink everything, just go with what feels right

 

[mightyrick]

I have already my grip when I get into my stance. Bounce twice. Ball to racquet. Toss. Hit (or shank).

 

[charliefedererer]

Brent Abel of www.WebTennis.net demonstrates the necessary "tempo" for your serve tossing arm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeZp90h-Ar8&feature=channel